Fermented Ancient Foods

Fermented ancient foods have been around for a very long time and these foods have remained popular to this day. Some of these foods have been around since the days of Ancient Egypt and some of these fermented foods came from Europe and the East.

Most Ancient cultures had some sort of food that was fermented as fermenting was a great way to preserve food and their nutrients. If properly prepared, some of these ancient foods are known for keeping people healthy.

Eating fermented foods that retain "live" micro-organisms help with the digestion of cooked foods and meals. Also, grains like wheat will be more digestible if they first go through a fermentation process before ingesting them in the form of breads, etc.

Yogurt, Kefir, Buttermilk, and Sour Cream

These ancient foods are thought to originate from Europe and are made from whole milk - preferably raw grass fed whole milk.

These foods come with a tangy taste because of their lactic acid content which comes from the fermentation process.

Sourdough Bread

This bread has a sour or tangy taste and may originate from Ancient Egypt.

The grains in Artisan sourdough bread are fermented for a minimum of 24 hours.

Lots of people make their own bread at home by first creating a "starter" that will ferment their dough.

Cheese

Cheese can be made from the raw whole milk of goats, cows, and sheep.

Cheese seems to have been around for a long time and possibly eaten by the Ancient Greeks.

Chocolate

A gift from the Mayans and Aztecs from Ancient Mexico and maybe elsewhere. It contains mystic properties!

Proper fermentation of cacao beans will be one of the most important steps to create wonderful chocolates.

Traditional Soy Sauce

Traditionally made from fermented soybeans and comes from Asia.

The good stuff is made traditionally which takes many months and patience.

Miso

Traditionally, a fermented soybean paste from Japan made from soybeans.

Because Miso is on the salty side, it is used to flavor other dishes - Miso soup anyone?

Kimchi

A spicy fermented dish from Korea. Usually made from cabbage, but can also be made from a variety of produce.

Look for brands that avoid adding MSG.

Kombucha

A very popular fermented drink that has made its way into America. Made by fermenting sweetened tea and dates back to Russia.

Also, very easy to make at home and in most grocery stores these days.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Made from apples and was used by the Ancients to help with ailments of all kinds.

I use raw apple cider vinegar and it's available at every grocery store.

Sauerkraut

Europe's version of Kimchi just minus the spicy. This fermented dish is traditionally made from cabbage.

You can find a decent one in the refrigerator section of a good health food store.

Most people are familiar with all or almost all of these popular fermented foods or ancient foods. And you will be able to find most of them at your favorite grocery stores.

However, to find the best ancient foods or the "real" fermented foods - you may have to visit health food stores or specialty stores.

Salami

A sausage that first came from Italy. It was made from various meats - horse meat included.....Giddy Up!

Look for salami made without artificial preservatives.

Drink These Responsibly and in Moderation

Craft Beer

One of the world's oldest beverages and dates back to Ancient Egypt It seems to be a favorite among men.

And craft beer has become a booming business for small and independent brewers.

Craft beer generally refers to beer that was brewed traditionally from grains. Look for "live" beer that contains living micro-organisms or unpasteurized beer.

Craft Wine

Most wine today is made by fermenting various grapes.

However, wine dates back to the Ancients and was probably first made from honey which is called Mead. And it's probably the simplest type of wine to make!

Look for smaller wine producers that use traditional methods that are "organic". I would stay away from wine with added chemicals and wine that was pasteurized to stop the fermentation process.

Sake

An alcoholic drink from Japan and made from rice......Surprisingly!

My father would always drink his Sake in a special Sake drinking vessel whenever we had Sukiyaki for dinner. You can also use Sake for skin care.

Coffee

A fermented drink made from the berries of the coffee tree and seems to originate from Ethiopia.

Coffee that was properly fermented will have a better aroma, flavor, and aftertaste. Be sure that it is organic.

A healthy fermented food should come with a "live" quality. Sometimes,
you'll have to make some of these fermented foods yourself to ensure
that you get an authentic ancient food. You can also cut down on the amount of salt added which is often too high in some of these fermented foods.